Peas are heart healthy: Are they good for your health?
A healthy diet is good for your heart, and adding peas to a healthy diet can help too! Learn about the benefits of peas for your heart.
When it comes to looking after your overall health, taking care of your mind is crucial. This is important at a time when heart disease is becoming the leading cause of death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 7,02,880 people die from heart disease in the United States, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. Obviously, you need to take care of your heart to prevent these diseases. One way is to eat healthy and try peas as a heart remedy. Of course, it won’t prevent heart disease, but it can help, and here’s how!
Peas for the Heart: Do they help?
Peas alone have many heart health benefits. Peas are known to be rich in fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. They are also rich in nutrients like magnesium and potassium, which help control blood pressure.
1. Contains plenty of fiber
Increases your fiber intake and helps control cholesterol and blood pressure, two of the risk factors for heart disease. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adding legumes like peas to your diet may help control LDL (bad cholesterol).
2. Increases your potassium intake
Eating peas will give your body enough potassium to control blood pressure. According to Harvard Medical School, increasing your potassium intake can help control your blood pressure.
3. Contains magnesium
Peas also contain magnesium, an important element that regulates heart rate, prevents arrhythmias, slows heart rate, and protects your heart. Magnesium helps control blood pressure and improves overall heart health, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association.
4. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
The Pharmacognosy Review found that peas also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Are there any side effects to heart health due to eating peas?
While peas can be a healthy addition to any diet, eating too many of these vegetables can have negative effects on your health.
- Eating too many peas can cause bloating and gas, which can lead to stomach pain.
- It can cause excessive uric acid production, which can lead to gout.
- Too many peas can cause diarrhea and intestinal discomfort if not eaten in moderation.
How many peas should you eat to keep your heart healthy?
If you’re interested in adding peas to your diet, experts recommend that everyone eat half a cup of peas twice a week. Experts say peas should be consumed cooked, not raw.